The 2016 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS and NSW State Emergency Services (SES) Cadet of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented on Wednesday 5th April at NSW Parliament House.

Alexander Slade of the Williamtown/Salt Ash Rural Fire Brigade, Region East was awarded the RFS Young Volunteer of the Year (12-15) years. He was nominated by Captain David Thomas with the endorsement of District Manager, Jason McKellar.

Alexander joined his Brigade on 2014 and has been an active participant since. He almost immediately qualified in Bush Firefighting Support after joining, which highlighted his commitment and motivation to his role. He displayed his enthusiasm, initiative and passion for his Brigade during the Pump Station 9 fire at Salt Ash in 2015. He has demonstrated knowledge and maturity beyond his years during his time in the Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS and is a well-regarded core team member of that brigade.

I congratulate him on his award, on behalf of the NSW Parliament and the Salt Ash and Port Stephens community, and hope he continues to grow and develop his already substantial skillset and ability in future years with the RFS.